March 15, 2011
Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami
Move the slider to compare satellite images, taken by GeoEye/EyeQ, from before and after the disaster.
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant
Japan's largest ongoing threat is at this nuclear power plant. There have been explosions at four of its six reactors and all four have released some radioactive material.
North of Sendai
This area, which includes Minamisanriku and the Onagawa nuclear plant, was closest to the epicenter of the quake. In Minamisanriku alone, more than 10,000 people are missing.
Sendai
Sendai's city center, about 7 miles inland, remained largely intact after the quake, but there was massive damage along the coast. Much of the airport, which is less than a mile from the water, was also destroyed.
Iwaki area
Whole neighborhoods were in ruin and cars and debris were piled high around Iwaki.